The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples
Victoria
Seafarers is a landmark mixed-use development revitalising Melbourne’s Northbank through heritage-led commercial architecture and urban regeneration. Anchored by the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Goods Shed No.5 and the restored Malcolm Moore Electric Crane, the project integrates hospitality, residential, wellness and public programs within a sculptural form that is in ephemeral dialogue with water, heritage, and sky. The building comprises 277 hotel rooms and 114 private residences, part of Australia’s first 1 Hotel, alongside curated dining, event and wellness facilities. A dual-volume new built form, composed of bespoke façade panels mediates between industrial heritage and contemporary expression, creating a distinctive presence on the skyline. Extensive material reuse, including over 2,000 salvaged elements and 2,500 lineal metres of reclaimed timber, underpins the project’s commitment to celebrating the palimpsest of the site. Seafarers establishes a benchmark for commercial development that unites public uses, heritage conservation, new architecture, and long-term place-making.
1 Hotel & Homes Melbourne demonstrates how thoughtful design can renew a significant heritage asset while creating a destination that supports the way people live, work and gather.
FK and One Design Office translated Riverlee’s vision for meaningful urban renewal into a place that balances sustainable luxury with authenticity and community connection.
The adaptive reuse of Goods Shed No.5, combined with biophilic design, reclaimed materials and generous public spaces, creates an environment that enhances wellbeing, fosters connection and celebrates place.
The project strengthens Melbourne’s waterfront and exemplifies Riverlee’s commitment to sustainability, heritage and creating destinations that endure.
Nonda Katsalidis, Design Architect
Nicky Drobis, Head of Design
Falk Peuser, Project Principal
Jack Swann, Project Architect
Fiona Then, Architect
Chris Johnson, Project Architect
Pip Bowling, Architect
ODO, Interior Designer (Hotel and amenities)
Carr, Interior Designer (Residences)
FK, Interior Designer (Resi Public Areas, Penthouses)
Oculus, Landscape Consultant
WSP, Structural Engineer
WSP, Services Consultant
WSP, ESD Consultant
Gallagher Jeffs, Project Manager
Marshall Day, Acoustic Consultant
CHW Consulting, AV Consultant
Checkpoint, Building Surveyor
WSP, Civil Consultant
NMGC, Equal Access Consultant
BG&E, Façade Consultant
Red, Fire Engineer
Lovell Chen, Heritage Consultant
1 Hotel, Hotel Group
Fytogreen, Landscape Consultant
Urbis, Planning
Creo, Pool Consultant
Altitude, Façade Access Consultant
Glowing Structures, Lighting Consultant
Cardno, Traffic Engineer
MEL Consultant, Wind Engineer
Rider Levett Bucknall, Quantity Surveyor
Aurecon, Structural Engineer
Maddocks, Legal
ABL, Legal